Chinese seafood output slowed in 2017 with new emphasis on quality over quantity

China saw a 2.7 percent drop in growth of its overall seafood output in 2017, while its production from wild-catch fishing dropped by 4.7 percent, according to data released by the country’s top fishery official.

Speaking at a conference to outline his priorities for 2018, Yu Kangzhen, the vice minister of China’s Agriculture Ministry, said the drop is to be expected as part of a new emphasis on quality over quantity – and environmental protection.

During his talk, Yu released only percentages and did not reveal precise figures.

China’s farmed seafood output could be seriously impacted by Yu’s priorities for 2018, which include a crackdown on “excess” cage culture and aquaculture pollution, with a focus on improving the quality and safety of China’s aquaculture output.

A recent national campaign to improve water quality has seen a mass shutdown of pig farms without slurry facilities, and a pollution tax was introduced this month on agricultural waste. Yu forewarned of an upcoming clampdown on pollution by aquaculture and mariculture on China’s coasts, suggesting China will extend its fight against water pollution to the aquaculture sector.